Pulse-Integrated Module Circuit for Low-Power LIF Reservoirs

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing leaky integration and fire (LIF) element using an analog method has high power consumption, necessitating a solution for low power consumption.

Innovation Solution

A module circuit comprising a first block circuit with a holding unit, oscillation unit, and high/low side switching elements, and a second block circuit with a duty ratio adjuster, along with a reservoir circuit incorporating multiple module circuits, to manage power consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If an analog method is used for the LIF element, then the integration function is achieved, but the power consumption becomes high

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidintegration function

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The circuit is divided into three functional blocks: a holding unit (capacitor C1) for integration, an oscillation unit for frequency conversion, and a duty ratio adjuster for signal conditioning. This segmentation allows each block to perform its function efficiently with lower power consumption compared to a monolithic analog implementation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the continuous analog integration method with a digital/pulsed approach using oscillation and duty ratio adjustment. The holding unit integrates pulse signals digitally rather than using continuous analog currents, significantly reducing power consumption while maintaining the integration function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If the holding unit integrates pulse signals continuously, then the average value is accurately held, but the power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaverage value accuracyVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of continuous integration, the holding unit integrates pulse signals periodically at the oscillation frequency. The capacitor charges during each pulse and discharges periodically, achieving accurate average value representation through pulsed operation rather than continuous current flow, thus reducing power consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the integration method from continuous analog current to pulsed voltage integration. By switching from a continuous current source to periodic pulse charging of the capacitor, the system maintains integration accuracy while dramatically reducing power consumption through the intermittent nature of the pulsed operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Measurement precision

If the oscillation unit generates high frequency output, then the signal resolution is improved, but the power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal resolutionVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The oscillation unit generates pulses at a frequency determined by the integrated voltage level rather than using high-frequency analog signals. This pulsed frequency modulation approach provides sufficient signal resolution for neural network operations while consuming less power than high-frequency analog oscillation would require.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The solution achieves low power consumption in the LIF element by integrating pulse signals and adjusting duty ratios, thereby reducing overall power usage.

Implementation Method 1

the holding unit may include a capacitor, integrate a pulse voltage indicating the input pulse signal, and hold a result of integrating the pulse voltage as the average value

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Implementation Method 2

a high side switching element that forms the pulse voltage charged to the capacitor by opening and closing according to the input pulse signal indicating an excitatory input may be further included

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSwitching:

Implementation Method 3

the first block circuit may further include a low side switching element that discharges charge of the capacitor by opening and closing according to the input pulse signal indicating an inhibitory input

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCharge discharge:

Data Source

PatentUS12525968B2Module circuit and reservoir circuit

Publication Date: 2026.01.13 NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF ADVANCED INDUSTRIAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

AI summary

A module circuit includes a first block circuit, and a second block circuit, wherein the first block circuit includes a first input terminal into which an input pulse signal is input, a holding unit that holds an average value of the input pulse signal for a predetermined period according to an interval of the input pulse signal and a width of the input pulse signal, an oscillation unit that generates an output pulse signal at a frequency according to the average value, and a first output terminal that outputs the output pulse signal, and the second block circuit includes a second input terminal to which the output pulse signal output from the first block circuit is input, a duty ratio adjuster that adjusts the duty ratio of the output pulse signal, and a second output terminal that outputs the output pulse signal adjusted by the duty ratio adjuster.